What skills and experience we’re looking for
Stour Valley Community School is seeking to appoint an inspiring and ambitious Head of Art & Photography to lead and develop our creative and inclusive department. Art is taught at KS3 and KS4, with Photography offered at KS4.
The Art Department is a popular and thriving area of the school, where students enjoy spending time both in lessons and through a wide range of extra‑curricular opportunities. The department has a calm, creative and relaxing atmosphere that encourages students to explore and develop their artistic skills with confidence.
The spacious studio environment, with its high ceilings and excellent natural light, provides an inspiring setting for teaching and learning. The department also benefits from specialist ceramic facilities, which are highly popular with students across all year groups, alongside a wide range of high‑quality resources to support creativity in all disciplines.
Art and Photography are both popular option choices at GCSE, with students achieving strong outcomes and demonstrating high levels of enthusiasm and engagement for the subjects.
The successful candidate will lead, manage and develop Art and Photography to ensure high‑quality teaching and learning and deliver a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum that motivates students and supports strong academic outcomes and personal growth.
About the Department
Art & Design at Stour Valley Community School provides a creative experience for all students, encouraging individuality, confidence and self‑expression. Students develop skills in painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, three‑dimensional work and digital processes while exploring the work of other artists to inform their own ideas.
The department promotes creativity, critical understanding and cultural awareness through both independent and collaborative learning. Students are encouraged to experiment with ideas, materials and techniques within a well‑equipped, purpose‑built studio environment that celebrates achievement and creativity.
Strong links with the local community and a range of enrichment opportunities further enhance students’ learning experiences.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and inspire high‑quality teaching and learning across the department.
* Develop an engaging and inclusive KS3 and KS4 curriculum.
* Monitor progress and raise standards of achievement.
* Create a stimulating environment that celebrates student success.
* Contribute to enrichment opportunities and the wider life of the school.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
* A passion for Art & Design and creative education.
* Strong teaching and leadership skills.
* The ability to inspire and motivate students of all abilities.
* A commitment to high standards, inclusion and student achievement.
What the school offers its staff
* Generous Pension Scheme (LGPS or Teachers’ Pension Scheme depending on the role)
* Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme
* Free membership to Anglian Learning Sports Centres
* 20 percent discount on Anglian Learning Adult Education Courses
* Professional Development Scheme Policy
* Employee Assistance ProgrammeSpecsavers VDU Vouchers
* Boots Flu Vouchers
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
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